Whitewater rapids! Yikes! Am I safe?
When you move down river using any prop for buoyancy, whether you’re on a boat, raft, kayak or duckie, you’ll meet with a variety of of calmly moving surface water and also more choppy water.
You’ll also periodically move through water that is moving across rocks or the river bed changes its grade and the water churns with white foam and spray. This is whitewater.
The whitewater will be a fantastic part of your rafting float trip and possibly your biggest concern when planning your vacation. However, experience has shown us that during and after the trip the whitewater memories usually become secondary to the “The Guides“, “The Food“, “The Fishing“, “Everything“.
Whitewater concerns are valid, but should not discourage you from enjoying what thousands of families have proclaimed as the “greatest vacation they’ve ever experienced.”
The Middle Fork Salmon River has over one hundred classified rapids. Rapids are classified on a scale from 1 to 6.
“1” being minimum in difficulty and “6” being extremely hazardous, un-runnable.
These ratings represent possible hazards to participants as well as equipment.
The Middle Fork is a Class 4 river. Several rapids are Class 4, but the rest are rated 1-3.
Idaho Wilderness Company is very proud of the impeccable river safety record we’ve maintained over the years.
We use very modern self-bailing rafts, excellent equipment, and our guides are extensively trained and extremely qualified. Our inventory of well maintained rafts include high, dry, and very stable rafts and extend to our inflatable, one-man kayaks, where you can run the rapids solo.
All guests are issued a life jacket and are required to wear this safety gear at all times while floating the river.
You will be on a wilderness river and much like the rest of your life outside your float trip, unexpected events may occur.
We can say that our worst injury on our past float trips was a dislocated finger which happened on land and a dislocated shoulder which was relocated on the trip and the guest completed his adventure as scheduled..
If you have concerns for the safety of your family, friends, or yourself, we suggest you speak with some of our past guests. Idaho Wilderness Company is very willing and able to provide you with as many customer references as you would like.
We work very hard to provide you with the whitewater experience that will strike that special balance between fun and safety.
Traditionally, the highest water levels are late May and early June. This is the time to come for the biggest waves and the wildest ride.
Usually, by the end of June, the water level has dropped and the rapid stretches have become more defined leaving the river with many peaceful stretches as well. Even as the water levels drop throughout the summer, there will still be plenty of action for all.
Many rapids are actually more fun at lower levels.
We recommend you visit our Frequently Asked Questions for additional information about adventures on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. .
